Updated May 29, 2025
We probably all know by now that we need fruits and veggies to maintain a healthy, well-rounded diet. Healthy foods , fruits, and veggies have gotten a bad reputation for being pricy and are sometimes avoided by those of us on a budget.
We skip right over the produce section and head straight for the pre-prepared foods offering 5 for $5. Plus, these processed foods tend to taste yummier thanks to all the added sugars and preservatives.
Have you ever thought maybe we just aren’t shopping the right way? Maybe if we did our homework and planned a little better we could actually find some hot deals on veggies and fruits or optimize our grocery budget.
If you aren’t sure how to get started or what to look for, here are a few good tips to get you headed in the right direction at the grocery store.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Plan weekly meals and make a grocery list! Look at your local grocery store deals and do a little grocery “hopping” to capture the best prices at multiple stores! After figuring out your grocery store line-up, get your pen and paper out so you can write down exactly what you need from the store. Not only is this going to save your overall budget but it will prevent you from impulse buying!
Tip #2: Include frozen, canned and dried forms of fruits and veggies.
You don’t always have to get your fruit and veggies servings via fresh produce. Frozen and canned are great and inexpensive ways to increase your daily intake. Plus, they will keep a lot longer in your pantry or freezer.
Tip #3: Buy in Season.
Learning what veggies and fruits are in season can save a lot of money since there will be more supply during their peak production. However if you buy a specific vegetable or fruit during their off-season, there is less of it, so prices are generally higher! A good way to know what is in season is to visit your local farmer’s market! Your local farmers are only selling what they are growing at that time!
Tip #4: Buy in Bulk.
Buying in bulk is key to saving money and eating healthy. If you see a sale that can’t be beat, stock up—even on fresh produce. You can freeze fresh produce and make your own “freezer bags” of veggies you can use later.
Tip #5: Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
This is a good rule to follow for anyone, even if you aren’t watching your budget or your weight. Impulse buying can not only be bad for your wallet but it can be bad for your waistline as well!
If you’re hungry, you’re more likely to reach for the foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. You may also forget certain items or skimp on your usual list of healthier foods.
Make sure to go shopping on a full stomach so you can stay on budget and on track with your weight goals.
Prioritize fruits and vegetables—your body (and your wallet) will Thank You!
Don’t skimp on getting in your fruits and veggies because you think you’re going to break the bank. But on the other hand, by some calculations being overweight can amount to an average of over $12,000 per year in healthcare costs—more than triple that of a person within the healthy weight range.
While some fruits and seasonal vegetables can seem expensive at first, they’re actually a small investment in overall health. Additionally, vegetables are quite a bit cheaper than meat.
Try some of these money-saving tips to help you get on a healthier track with your nutrition. If you’re in need of help losing weight or developing better habits, we can help. As one of North Carolina’s leading medical weight loss programs with locations in Clemmons, Asheville area, Greensboro, and Charlotte, Blue Sky MD has been helping thousands of patients lose weight and keep it off since 2008.
Take our free online health assessment to see how we can help you achieve your goals—whether you’re looking to lose weight, solve hormone-related health issues, or both, we’re here to help you become the healthiest, happiest version of you.
